Georgia Department of Labor
Suite 642 148 International Boulevard N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032

January 16, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARMSTRONG RECEIVES OUTSTANDING EMPLOYER AWARD

ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner David Poythress announced today that Armstrong World Industries, Inc. of Macon has been presented a 1997 Success Track Outstanding Employer Award.

"Armstrong is unquestionably one of our state's outstanding employers and is setting a good example for other employers to follow," said Poythress. "Its safety program is so successful that the employees have worked 5.5 million hours without a lost-time accident. The National Safety Council recognizes this as the best safety record in the industry. Armstrong has also earned the Malcom Baldridge National Quality Award, one of the most prestigious a company can earn."

The Outstanding Employer Award is presented jointly by the Georgia Department of Labor and Georgia Public Television (GPTV), which co-produce Success Track, a weekly television program about career and economic issues. The award was created in 1995 to recognize employers who are leaders in providing educational and job-training opportunities and benefit packages which enhance the careers of their employees.

Armstrong is a leading manufacturer of interior finishing products. The Macon plant specializes in producing ceiling materials. A team management concept has led to better production techniques. One example is a re-designed painting wheel, which saves the company millions of dollars a year by reducing maintenance downtime. And, the company, which prepares employees for more responsibility through workplace literacy programs, has an enviable benefits and salary package.

Armstrong and 10 other award recipients were featured in a special episode of Success Track entitled Investing in People in December. The special will be shown again in the Spring.

The other recipients are Ayres Corp., Albany; Crown Crafts, Calhoun; Synthetic Industries, Chickamauga; W. C. Bradley Co. and Synovus Financial Corp., Columbus; Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings, Dalton; Roper Corp., LaFayette; Shorewood Packaging Corp. of Georgia, LaGrange; Pepsi Cola of Rome and Coats American of Thomasville.

Success Track is broadcast Thursdays at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. over the nine-station GPTV network.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AT (404) 656-3032, or ALLEN TABOR at

E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us.

FY-98-299

An Equal Opportunity Employer